Launch multiple apps at once with the new Workspaces module in Microsoft PowerToys v0.84.0
The time has come for PowerToys users to celebrate not just the release of a new version of the utility collection, but the addition of a new module. As previewed recently, there is now a new tool called PowerToys Workspaces that can be used to launch multiple apps from a single shortcut.
But more than just making it possible to launch a number of apps simultaneously, PowerToys Workspaces allows for these apps to be launched in saved layout and with configurations. Workspaces is by far the highlight of the newly released PowerToys v0.84.0, but there is plenty more in this update as well.
New Microsoft Windows 11 feature lets you use your Xbox controller as a keyboard
Microsoft has rolled out a new feature in the latest Windows 11 Beta channel build, adding a Gamepad keyboard layout for the on-screen keyboard that supports Xbox controllers. This new layout allows users to navigate and type using their Xbox controllers, incorporating button accelerators for certain functions. For example, the X button functions as a backspace, and the Y button serves as the spacebar.
In addition to the button accelerators, the keyboard keys in this layout have been vertically aligned to enhance navigation patterns when using a controller. This design aims to make it easier for users to move through the keys efficiently with a gamepad.
AMD and Microsoft team up to launch Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs with Ryzen AI 300 processors
AMD and Microsoft have announced a new collaboration to bring Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors to the market. These systems are designed to integrate advanced AI capabilities into personal computing, aiming to enhance productivity, creativity, and collaboration across various industries.
The Ryzen AI 300 Series processors are built to support multi-day battery life and enhanced security features while providing AI-driven experiences that prioritize user privacy. These processors are part of a broader effort to create a hybrid AI network that leverages localized computing alongside cloud resources, offering a versatile platform compatible with a wide range of applications.
Google is shaking things up: Android expands earthquake alerts to all U.S. states
Android users across the United States now have access to early earthquake warnings, as the Android Earthquake Alerts System expands to cover all 50 states and six U.S. territories. This system, which has been instrumental in providing life-saving alerts in California, Oregon, and Washington, is being rolled out nationwide, with the deployment set to be completed in the coming weeks. This expansion ensures that millions more people are prepared when an earthquake strikes.
Since its launch in 2020, the Android Earthquake Alerts System has relied on partnerships with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), and the ShakeAlert system to deliver accurate and timely alerts based on data from traditional seismometers. To extend these early warnings to areas without the USGS ShakeAlert system, Android phones themselves have been turned into mini seismometers.
Cheapfakes and deepfakes -- How to spot them
In recent weeks, the term ‘cheapfake’ has shot to the forefront of our national consciousness. Cheapfakes -- and their equally disruptive counterpart, deepfakes -- are becoming much more prevalent today, with the volume of this misleading content estimated to be doubling online every six months. That’s why the world’s leading search engines, social media networks and content publishers are taking notice. In recent weeks, Google announced a far-reaching plan to reduce the discoverability of deepfakes in their search rankings.
Luckily, you don’t need the resources of Google to spot altered media. Here, we’ll examine the primary differences between cheapfakes and deepfakes as well as the AI-based tools that can be used to decisively detect them.
A lack of resources and talent leaves UK SMEs dangerously exposed
In the last few years, we have witnessed some of the most seismic changes to the IT security landscape -- from global pandemics and geopolitical issues to a global energy crisis, growing cybersecurity threats, multiple country elections, and subdued economic conditions. But regardless of stretched IT and cybersecurity budgets, and a significant IT skills shortage, threat actors continue to innovate as cyber threats evolve at breakneck speed. Organizations have no choice but to defend themselves.
Today, cyberattacks are increasingly targeting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to JumpCloud’s latest Q3 2024 SME IT Trends Report. Forty-four percent of UK SMEs have been victims of cybersecurity attacks. Nearly two-thirds (60 percent) report multiple attacks in 2024. Smaller organizations often lack the manpower of larger corporations, with nearly half (48 percent) of UK survey respondents claiming that despite their best efforts, they lack the resources and staff to secure their organization against cybersecurity threats. This is compounded by a lack of access to skilled cybersecurity professionals, with many SMEs having IT teams consisting of only one or two people.
Intel Core Ultra 200V processors are ready to power the next generation of Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs
Intel has introduced the Intel Core Ultra 200V series, its most efficient x86 processors to date. These processors are designed to enhance the next generation of AI-enabled PCs, offering a combination of performance improvements, power efficiency, and enhanced graphics capabilities.
With over 80 consumer designs from more than 20 manufacturers such as Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, LG, MSI, and Samsung, the Core Ultra 200V series aims to bring advanced processing to a wide range of devices. Systems powered by 200V chips that are running the latest version of Windows will receive Copilot+ PC features as a free update starting in November.
The CrowdStrike incident exposed the urgent need for modern DevOps practices
On July 20th, 8.5 million devices running Windows crashed when cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike released a faulty software update. The ensuing outage wreaked havoc across nearly every major business sector: flights were grounded, medical procedures were delayed, and news stations couldn’t broadcast.
For the companies affected, the cost implications could reach tens of billions of dollars. However, this incident is part of a much larger, growing problem. Poor software quality cost the US economy at least $2.41 trillion in 2022. With customers and employees increasingly reliant on digital services, organizations urgently need to reassess how they deliver software to protect themselves from future failures.
Kingston launches NV3 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD offering up to 4TB of storage
Kingston has announced the launch of the NV3 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. The NV3 SSD aims to provide users with high capacity and 4x4 NVMe PCIe performance in a compact, single-sided M.2 2280 form factor.
The NV3 SSD is powered by a Gen 4x4 NVMe controller, delivering read/write speeds of up to 6,000/5,000MB/s. This makes it an excellent choice for a range of workloads, from content creation to gaming. The drive is available from Amazon here in capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB.
Number of active ransomware groups increases over 50 percent
A new report from dark web intelligence specialist Searchlight Cyber shows a 56 percent increase in the number of active ransomware groups this year compared to the first half of 2023, reflecting a diversification of the ransomware landscape.
LockBit has retained its top position despite the disruption caused by Operation Cronos, though its number of listed victims has fallen compared to H1 2023.
v-color debuts world’s first RGB DDR5 O CUDIMM
v-color has introduced the world’s first RGB DDR5 O CUDIMM (High-Speed Overclocked CUDIMM), a new memory module designed for the next-generation desktop platform. This module offers higher speeds and improved efficiency, aimed at enhancing performance for a variety of desktop applications.
The RGB O CUDIMM is available in 32GB (2x16GB) and 48GB (2x24GB) capacities, with standard speeds of 6400MT/s that can be overclocked to 9200MT/s or higher. The inclusion of XMP profiles aims to simplify the overclocking process, allowing users to optimize their systems more easily.
False alarm! Microsoft says that Windows 11 users will NOT be able to uninstall controversial Recall feature
For anyone using Windows 11 who was hoping to steer clear of the upcoming Recall features, there was a glimmer of hope last week. The KB5041865 update for the operating system included the option to uninstall the controversial activity snapshotting feature, much to the delight of many.
But now Microsoft has dashed the hopes of those with privacy and security concerns, saying that the ability to uninstall Recall was a bug and that it would be fixed. What this means in practice is that Recall will be installed on all Windows 11 machines, and while it can be disabled, it cannot be uninstalled.
Windows 11 dethrones Windows 10 in latest Steam usage statistics, while both Linux and macOS still don’t matter
In a surprising turn of events, Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 as the most popular operating system among Steam users. According to the August 2024 Steam Hardware & Software Survey, Windows 11 now claims 49.17 percent of the user base, while Windows 10 has dropped to 47.09 percent. This marks the first time that Microsoft's latest OS has surpassed its predecessor.
The surge in Windows 11's popularity represents a 3.36 percent increase from the previous month, a testament to the growing acceptance and adoption of the OS. Conversely, Windows 10 saw a decline of 3.07 percent, indicating that more gamers are making the switch to the newer platform.
Say goodbye to Microsoft Windows 11 and hello to Nitrux Linux 3.6.1
Nitrux, the Debian-based distribution known for its focus on simplicity and performance, has just released version 3.6.1, codenamed “lp.” This release packs a series of updates and fixes that are aimed at improving the overall experience for both new and existing users.
If you’ve been contemplating a switch from Windows 11, Nitrux 3.6.1 is the perfect alternative. You can download an ISO here now.
Average cost of industrial data breaches soars
In 2024, the average cost of a data breach skyrocketed to $4.88 million, up from $4.45 million in 2023, showing a 10 percent spike and the highest increase since the pandemic.
Some industries though have seen even bigger increases. Data from a Stocklytics survey of 604 organizations across 17 industries and in 16 countries between March 2023 and February 2024 shows the industrial sector has seen the biggest data breach cost growth in the past year.
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